Illinois Valley Community College’s Business Training Services is making headlines for its innovative workforce training initiatives. Collaborating with over 30 companies, the program serves hundreds of individuals each year, offering courses focused on skill enhancement and leadership development. Recently, the program celebrated the successful completion of training for 28 new surgical technicians, showcasing its capacity for targeted skill building. Supported by grant funding, these services are both affordable and impactful, enabling businesses to upskill their workforce effectively. The program’s strength lies in its expert instructors, who ensure participants receive top-notch education tailored to industry needs.
The program serves hundreds of people each year, yet “we are IVCC’s best kept secret,” said Jennifer Scheri, Director of Continuing Education and Business Services. “Despite our best efforts many employers still do not know that we exist, nor the impact we can make on their company. We hope to change that.”
NSG Group in Ottawa, which hired IVCC to conduct leadership training for their management group last fall, praised instructor Janelle Reeb and the program. “Courses were informative and interactive and the staff appreciated them,” said Lori Wenzelman, the company’s human resources manager.
“We utilized these classes for entry-level to mid-level leaders, but actually, everyone could benefit from them,” she said, adding that the company plans to enlist Business Training Services for additional training.
“We rarely say no to any request,” said Scheri. “If we have someone to teach it, we will schedule it. Instructors are shared among Illinois community colleges,” she added.
“Beyond company-wide training, individuals looking to be more successful in their current job or eyeing a career change can enroll in professional development and career training courses offered through Continuing Education,” said Kim Koehler, program manager.
For information, contact the Continuing Education and Business Services Division at 815-224-0547.
